【Source】

《Shanghan Lun》 (Treatise on Cold Damage)

【Ingredients】

Semen Cannabis (Hemp Seed), Radix Paeoniae (Peony Root), processed Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (Immature Bitter Orange), Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome), processed Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis (Magnolia Bark), Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Apricot Kernel)n(6)

【Categorization of Ingredients】

<Blood Tonifying>: Radix Paeoniae (Peony Root)

<Regulating Qi>: Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (Immature Bitter Orange)

<Purging>: Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome)

<Aromatic Transform Dampness>: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis (Magnolia Bark)

<Relieving Cough and Wheezing>: Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Apricot Kernel)

<Moistening and Purging>: Semen Cannabis (Hemp Seed)

【Formula Explanation】

From “Shan Bu” (Supplement and Correction): The Classic states: the Spleen desires to be relaxed, quickly eat sweet to relax it. The Materia Medica states: moistening can remove dryness. Therefore, Maziren (Hemp Seed), which is sweet, mild, and moistening, is the monarch; Xìngrén (Apricot Kernel), which is sweet, warm, and moistening, is the minister. Zhǐshí (Immature Bitter Orange) breaks stagnation, Hòupò (Magnolia Bark) drains fullness, thus they serve as assistants. Radix Paeoniae (Peony Root) regulates the middle, Dàhuáng (Rhubarb) unblocks the bowels, thus they serve as envoys. From “Handian” (Chinese Classic): This formula consists of six ingredients: Maziren (Hemp Seed), Radix Paeoniae (Peony Root), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), Dahuang (Rhubarb), and Xìngrén (Apricot Kernel). Maziren (Hemp Seed) acts as a viscous and lubricating purgative, assisting the laxative effect of Dahuang (Rhubarb). Radix Paeoniae (Peony Root), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), and Houpo (Magnolia Bark) can relieve intestinal tension and regulate peristalsis. Xìngrén (Apricot Kernel) functions as a demulcent (mucilaginous agent).

n 【Functions】n

Breaks qi stagnation, eliminates accumulation, moistens the intestines, and unblocks the bowels.

n 【Indications / Effects】n

Constipation due to dryness-heat in the stomach and intestines with insufficient body fluids, accompanied by frequent urination. Abundant urine output with hard stools is the target symptom for this formula. It is a mild laxative, suitable for habitual constipation, especially in the elderly, or those recovering from illness, where body fluids are depleted, skin and mucous membranes lack moisture, and constipation is present. “Shan Bu” adds: Dryness-heat in the intestines and stomach, constipation, and frequent urination.

n 【Therapeutic Uses】n

Habitual constipation, senile constipation due to deficiency, hemorrhoid-related constipation, dry and hard stools after anal surgery or persistent dry and hard stools accompanying certain chronic diseases; also used for neurogenic frequent urination, dysphagia (sensation of food stuck in the throat), and ascaris-induced intestinal obstruction.

n 【Contraindications】n

(1) Although this formula is a mild laxative, many of its ingredients break qi and purge. Therefore, it is contraindicated in pregnant women, puerperal women, the elderly with qi deficiency, and those who are weak with loose stools. (2) Avoid spicy, greasy, and other irritating foods.

n 【Mnemonic】n

(1) Minor Qi-Regulating Decoction + ‘Ma Sao Xing’ (Maziren, Shaoyao, Xingren). (2) ‘Ma Da Sao Shi Bu Xing’ (Maziren, Dahuang, Shaoyao, Zhishi, Houpo, Xingren).

n 【Modifications】n

(1) If intestinal dryness is severe, add Fructus Trichosanthis (Gualou Ren) and Semen Platycladi (Baiziren) to enhance the moistening effect on the intestines. (2) If heat accumulation is severe, with yellow tongue coating and rapid pulse, increase the dosage of Dahuang (Rhubarb) to enhance its heat-purging effect. (3) If Radix Paeoniae (Peony Root), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), and Xìngrén (Apricot Kernel) are removed from this formula, it becomes Runchang Wan (Intestine-Moistening Pill) from *Pi Wei Lun* (Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach), which primarily treats constipation due to wind-stagnation or blood-stagnation, diet, overexertion, leading to severe or dry constipation, and complete loss of appetite. (4) For hemorrhoid-related constipation, add Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui), Semen Persicae (Taoren), and Radix Paeoniae Rubra (Chishao) to nourish blood and invigorate blood circulation. (5) For those with weak constitutions, remove Dahuang (Rhubarb) and appropriately add Semen Pruni (Yuliren), Folium Sennae (Fanxieye), etc., to increase the moistening effect on the intestines.

n 【Pharmacology】n

It has laxative, smooth muscle spasm-relieving, and hypotensive effects. Maziren Wan can enhance intestinal peristalsis. When 4 drops of 25% Maziren solution were applied to isolated rabbit intestines, it was found that the amplitude of intestinal peristaltic waves was greater than normal, and the frequency was higher and more regular.